King County Metro to go to flat $2.75 fare

King County Metro riders will see a change to fares in July 2018, when a new flat $2.75 adult fare takes effect.

King County Metro riders will see a change to fares in July 2018, when a new flat $2.75 adult fare takes effect.

Photo: GRANT HINDSLEY, SEATTLEPI.COM

King County Metro to go to flat $2.75 fare

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For those who were tired of seeing fares on Metro buses in Seattle and King County swing up and down depending on time of day and where they traveled, things just got easier.

The King County Council voted unanimously on Monday to go to a flat $2.75 adult fare starting July 1, 2018, eliminating peak and zone upcharges for adult passengers.

The change doesn't affect senior, youth or disabled fares.

Under the existing structure, fares for those aged 19-64 swing from $2.50 to $3.25 depending on the time of day and how far they travel. The $2.75 fare is currently the single-zone, peak fare for adult riders aged 19-64 without other discounts.

"It should make the system much more usable" and ensure faster boarding times, said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski ahead of the 9-0 vote Monday.

Roughly one in three riders would not be affected by the change, a group that includes those who qualify for ORCA Lift, youth, senior or disabled fares. The plan will also include funding to help low-income riders not already covered by ORCA Lift, according to a release from King County Council.

Daniel DeMay covers Seattle culture, city hall, and transportation for seattlepi.com. He also watches the weather like a hawk. He can be reached at 206-448-8362 or danieldemay@seattlepi.com. Follow him on Twitter: @Daniel_DeMay.